Ecca Vandal Scores Seven 2026 ARIA Award Nominations

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Published September 24, 2026 by Ned Tepper

Ecca Vandal has capped off a huge year with seven nominations at the 2026 ARIA Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist and Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist.

The Melbourne based artist is among the most nominated acts at this year’s awards, sitting just behind Genesis Owusu and Tame Impala, who lead the field with eight nominations apiece.

Vandal’s second album, LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO UNFOLLOW, is also up for Best Independent Release and Best Alternative Release, while CRUISING TO SELF SOOTHE has earned a Best Video nod. Ecca Vandal, Kathryn Vinella and Sean McDonald are nominated for Best Cover Art.

“This album was our own little secret for so long. We recorded it in Richie’s childhood bedroom, just us, with no idea where it would lead. To see it recognised like this, from the music, to the visuals, to the whole world we imagined around it, is so special and surreal. Huge love to everyone who helped us make this thing what it is. We love you! And thank you ARIA!”

The nominations continue a sizeable run for LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO UNFOLLOW. Released earlier this month, the album reached number one on the ARIA Vinyl Albums Chart, number two on the Australian Albums Chart and number 12 on the overall Albums Chart.

Recorded and produced by Vandal and Richie Buxton in Buxton’s childhood bedroom, the record arrived after a period that included Vandal’s Coachella debut and touring alongside Deftones.

Ecca Vandal ‘Cruising To Self Soothe’ video

Her 2026 has since taken her considerably further. Vandal has appeared at international festivals including Lollapalooza, Outbreak, Rock am Ring, Rock im Park and Osheaga, while CRUISING TO SELF SOOTHE received a US late-night television performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

The seven nominations arrive as Vandal prepares to bring things home with her Australian headline tour this November. Every announced date in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney is currently sold out.

The 2026 ARIA Awards will be held at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday, November 18th.